Explore Textile University, then take a respite in Canal Park or Jinnah Gardens; the Happy Land Water Park is a great day out for kids and the Am Tex Waterfall is a soothing place for a break. This is Faisalabad.

Home to no fewer than eight bazaars and an ornate clock tower, Ghanta Ghar is the main market in the city and a must-see ewhen you travel to Faisalabad. It is lined with imposing buildings dating back to the British Raj period that ended in 1948.

D Ground is Faisalabad’s second-busiest market and is open in the evening, making for a different kind of shopping experience.

Textile production played a hugely important part in the development of the city, and is still an active part of the economy. A visit to the Textile University offers a glimpse into the sector’s modern development. Call ahead to arrange a visit.

For a little bit of peace and quiet from the usual bustle of the city during your trip to Faisalabad, head to Canal Park or Jinnah Gardens. If you have children travelling with you, then the Happy Land Water Park is a great day out. The Am Tex Waterfall sits apart from its surroundings and the manmade structure offers a welcome respite from busy crowds.

While Faisalabad has a reasonable public transport system, the best way to see the city is to take a ride on a rickshaw. It’s a laid-back, convenient way to see all the sights, and with thousands of the mini-cars buzzing all over the city, you can always stop if something interesting catches your eye.

If you are visiting friends or family in Faisalabad and they happen to be members of the Chenab Club, then you are in for a lavish treat. The exclusive venue’s leisure activities include tennis and several elegant social events. If your visit coincides with 14 August’s Independence Day, then festivities bring the city’s elite and their guests to the club to celebrate in style.

If there’s one thing you must try during your trip to Faisalabad, it’s the samosas, reputedly the best in Pakistan. Faisalabad’s samosas are spicy, delicious and sold as street food on nearly every corner. Gourmet versions are available in the more upmarket restaurants. Also try dahi bhalla (fried lentil balls served with yoghurt and chutneys) and gol gappe, which are flour balls filled with black grams, onions and potatoes, and then fried.

International cuisine is also available, and Chinese food is a particular favourite in the city, with plenty of restaurants serving sumptuous dishes. There are also plenty of fast-food outlets for snacks on the go.

Rabri is the favoured drink in Faisalabad – a mixture of peanuts, almonds and a selection of dried fruits in milk.

If you’re looking for textiles and high-quality leather goods, then Faisalabad is out in front. Some of the more exclusive fashion outlets can be found around D Ground, while the markets and bazaars of Ghanta Ghar are a great place to look for bargains.

The city also offers a sizeable selection of modern shopping malls, including Hassan Shopping Mall, Al-Fatah Shopping Mall and University Shopping Mall.

Essential facts about Faisalabad

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